A program versus a programming language

Computer Studies · Grade 10 · about 40 minutes

M-Pesa is a program people run. Java is a language people write in. Why that distinction matters in Kenya.

Sign in to read this lesson

Lessons are for learners and teachers with an account. Browsing the curriculum — subjects, strands and what each sub-strand covers — stays open to everyone.

8 sections of explanation, worked examples and diagrams
1 practice task with hints and worked answers
A quiz that marks itself as you go
Your progress kept across every subject you take

Other lessons in this sub-strand

Programming terminology and the levels of language
The evolution of programming languages, and paradigms
A program versus a programming language
Source code and machine code
Syntax: the grammar of a language
Compilers: translate the whole program first
Interpreters: translate and run together
The IDE and the software development lifecycle
Algorithms: the thinking before a language
Pseudocode: false code anyone can read
Flowcharts: logic as a picture
High-level languages and portability
Paradigms in the apps you already use
Simulating low-level instructions